Broadway's The Producers grabbed much of the spotlight at the 2001 Drama Desk Awards ceremony, but Off-Broadway shows Mnemonic (Unique Theatrical Experience), Forbidden Broadway (Best Revue) and The Syringa Tree (for Solo Performance, Pamela Gien) also took home prizes given by the organization of theatre writers, editors and broadcasters.

Broadway's The Producers grabbed much of the spotlight at the 2001 Drama Desk Awards ceremony, but Off-Broadway shows Mnemonic (Unique Theatrical Experience), Forbidden Broadway (Best Revue) and The Syringa Tree (for Solo Performance, Pamela Gien) also took home prizes given by the organization of theatre writers, editors and broadcasters.

Best Musical went to the blockbuster Broadway musical, The Producers (which won awards in 11 categories) and the Best Play honor was given to Broadway's Proof. Gore Vidal's The Best Man won Best Revival (Play) and 42nd Street won Best Revival (Musical).

The ceremony, hosted by Lily Tomlin, took place 9-11:15 PM at the F.H. LaGuardia High School Concert Hall at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. The two-hour event was broadcast live in its entirety on NY1. On May 25 at 9 PM, public television station Channel 13/WNET in New York City will air the awards program. NY1 will also repeat its broadcast on May 26, giving local television viewers a total of three opportunities to see the show. Unlike the Broadway-oriented Tony Awards, the Drama Desk Awards honor both Broadway and Off-Broadway works. The nominees and (bolded) winners were: